SABB named ‘Best Consumer Digital Bank’ in Saudi Arabia

Basha’ar Al-Qunaibet, deputy managing director, retail banking and wealth management at SABB.
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Updated 20 September 2021
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SABB named ‘Best Consumer Digital Bank’ in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi British Bank (SABB) has won the “Best Consumer Digital Bank” award in Saudi Arabia for 2021 from Global Finance. This award recognizes the bank’s efforts in developing digitally innovative solutions that provide customers with a cutting-edge digital experience.

The award was given based on a number of criteria, including the strength of the company’s strategy in attracting and supporting digital customers, growth in the number of digital customers, the success of digital initiatives, as well as the design and functionality of websites and mobile applications.

Basha’ar Al-Qunaibet, deputy managing director, retail banking and wealth management at SABB, said: “We are honored to receive this award, especially during this challenging year, which reinforces SABB’s ambition to be the best bank in the Kingdom, especially post the historic successful merger between SABB and Alawwal Bank. Considering that digital banking is one of our main pillars to support competitive strength and to improve customer experience, SABB will continue to focus on expanding its digital banking and developing solutions to provide customers with a pioneering banking experience.”

SABB has recently achieved a significant increase in the number of digital channel users, and has successfully migrated a wide range of services and manual processes to its digital platform, which has resulted in the bank’s strong position in attracting customers to its digital services and offers. Notably, SABB’s active digital customers reached 78 percent of the total active customers, with SABB’s mobile application accounting for 85 percent of total active digital customers. The bank’s adoption of digital mobile payments is also developing positively, with more than 1 million cards via mobile wallets.

In addition to that, the bank is working to strengthen its relationship with fintech companies, and is actively working with more than 15 companies in various areas of digital banking.


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.